Celebrated Performer & Composer Jon Batiste Surprises Lauren with Special Tribute

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recently hosted a significant event at its Washington D.C. headquarters, celebrating the myriad contributors to the American music landscape. Among those honored was multi-Platinum artist Lauren Daigle, who was recognized as the Artist of the Year. Joining her in accolades were Jackie Patillo, the President of the Gospel Music Association, and Ed Leonard, the President of the Christian Music Trade Association. The evening also honored Senators Marsha Blackburn and Chris Coons for their roles in championing the NO FAKES Act, aimed at protecting individuals from AI deepfakes and voice clones.

RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier opened the festivities by highlighting the diverse honoring of different music genres over the years, stating the importance of Gospel and Christian music rooted in community and hope. Melinda Newman, Billboard Executive Editor, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support the event and praised the achievements of all honorees.

The night began with a speech from Senator Marsha Blackburn, who emphasized the importance of protecting the creative rights of artists, particularly in Nashville, which she described as home to an abundance of songwriters. Following her, Senator Chris Coons addressed the bipartisan effort behind the NO FAKES Act, expressing optimism for the bill’s passage and its potential impact on artists’ protections.

Tributes poured in via video from prominent figures in Contemporary Christian music, including Natalie Grant, For King & Country, and Jekalyn Carr, who congratulated Jackie Patillo on her recognition. Michele Ballantyne, RIAA’s President and COO, presented the award to Patillo, who expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to advocate for artists and songwriters.

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Ed Leonard received his own Executive of the Year accolade, sharing the influence of his mother, who founded the company 44 years ago and encouraged him to serve the community. The event then shifted focus to Lauren Daigle, who was honored with a special tribute from the accomplished Jon Batiste. Batiste performed “This Little Light of Mine” as the audience joined in, highlighting Daigle’s role as a beacon of hope in the music industry.

Daigle herself performed “Let It Be A Hallelujah” and her RIAA 6x Platinum hit “You Say,” articulating the universal power of music as a unifying force in a divided world. She remarked on the beauty of music as a bonding agent and hoped her songs could continue to bring solace long after she is gone.

The evening concluded with a powerful duet of “Be Okay” featuring both Daigle and Batiste, reinforcing the night’s theme of connection through music. Glazier encapsulated the spirit of the event, reminding attendees of the vital role both artists and lawmakers play in advocating for the protection of creativity and culture. The RIAA Honors served as a heartfelt reminder of how music intertwines lives and fosters understanding across diverse communities.